Welcome to my website and thank you for your interest in learning about me and why I am running for the newly created 49th State Senate District. I am a lifelong resident of Will County. My husband and I have two children and we live in Shorewood. My father was a successful small business owner and my mother is a retired teacher. I am the middle child of seven children, five of whom still reside in Will County.

I am currently serving my second term as the Will County Regional Superintendent of Education. As Regional Superintendent, I have seen the direct impact the economy has had on our schools and community. GED testing is on the rise as people struggle to get jobs, more families are being identified as homeless, and professionals who are being laid off from various careers are applying to be substitute teachers. In addition, like businesses and agencies throughout the state, my responsibilities increase while funding decreases, thus forcing me to make tough decisions on staff, programs, and services.

Our life experiences shape the paths we choose to travel. My experiences as an elected official, an educator, a mother, and a concerned citizen of our community have led me to seek the office of State Senator.

If the voters of the Illinois State Senate District 49 elect me in 2012, you will find that I will be a voice you can count on in Springfield.